The late presentation of breast cancer patients remains a major concern, as most patients wait between three months and one year after first experiencing symptoms before seeking medical attention.
A study which involved 86 breast cancer patients, conducted at Lautoka Hospital found that 29 percent of patients presented more than two years after first experiencing symptoms.
This was highlighted by Aspen Medical Surgical Registrar Dr Rahul Reddy while presenting his study on the clinical profile and outcomes of breast cancer patients at Lautoka Hospital during the Fiji Medical Association Conference.
Dr Reddy says the most common age group identified was 51 to 60 years, while 60 percent of the patients were below the age of 60.
He says the majority of patients presented with painless breast lumps.
Dr Reddy says cultural and religious beliefs, social support, awareness and misinformation have been identified in previous research as some of the barriers that may contribute to people seeking medical attention late.
Therefore, he says religious leaders could play an important role in spreading awareness, particularly in rural communities, while social media should also be better utilised to provide accurate information about breast cancer.
Dr Reddy says greater involvement from the Fiji Cancer Society and other NGOs is also necessary to raise awareness and encourage people to seek medical attention early.
He adds according to the study, 58 percent of patients underwent surgery, while 22.1 percent refused surgery.
Dr Reddy says the study also recorded a mortality rate of 14 percent during the study period.
He says patients with advanced-stage disease had a 2.2 times higher risk of mortality, while patients with high-grade tumours had a seven-fold increased risk.
Dr Reddy stresses that Fiji needs to strengthen early detection and referral pathways.
He says even if the country gets the latest technology and radiotherapy services, outcomes will remain poor if patients continue to present late.
Dr Reddy also highlighted the need for community-based outreach, investment in radiotherapy services and further research to better understand the barriers preventing breast cancer patients from seeking medical attention early.
